Toyota GR Supra A90 3.0 Premium

Toyota GR Supra A90 3.0 Premium

The return of the Toyota Supra after a 17-year absence was one of the most anticipated automotive events of the decade. When the A90 finally arrived in 2019, it sparked passionate debate among enthusiasts due to its co-development with BMW, sharing the B58 turbocharged inline-six engine and many components with the Z4. Yet on its own merits, the A90 Supra proved to be a genuinely excellent sports car that honored the Supra name while charting a modern course.

The heart of the A90 is the B58B30 engine, a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that produces 382 horsepower (upgraded from the original 335 hp for the 2021 model year). The engine delivers a broad, accessible torque curve with 368 lb-ft available from just 1,800 rpm, making it effortlessly fast in real-world driving. The twin-scroll turbocharger minimizes lag, and the engine responds to throttle inputs with a precision and eagerness that belies its turbocharged nature.

The ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission was a contentious choice among purists, but Toyota eventually addressed their complaints by offering a 6-speed manual option from 2023 onwards. The automatic itself is one of the best torque-converter units ever made, with rapid shifts and intelligent behavior that adapts to driving style. In sport mode, the transmission holds gears longer and delivers aggressive downshifts on braking.

The A90's chassis is where Toyota's Gazoo Racing division made its most distinctive contribution. The 2,470mm wheelbase is shorter than a Toyota 86, creating an exceptionally agile car that changes direction with remarkable quickness. Chief engineer Tetsuya Tada insisted on a 50:50 weight distribution and a rigid structure, resulting in a car that feels alive and communicative through the steering wheel and seat of the pants.

The double-bubble roof, a signature Supra design element, is both aesthetically striking and functional, providing headroom clearance while maintaining a low roofline. The wide rear haunches and ducktail rear end give the car a muscular, purposeful appearance. Inside, the cockpit is driver-focused with a configurable digital instrument cluster and an 8.8-inch central display.

On the road, the Supra rewards confident driving. The rear-wheel-drive layout enables playful handling with accessible oversteer when desired, while the electronic stability control provides a safety net. The adaptive dampers provide a comfortable ride in normal mode and sharpen noticeably in sport mode, making the Supra a genuine dual-purpose car that can cruise on the highway and attack a mountain road with equal aplomb.

The 45th Anniversary Edition, limited to 45 units per market in 2024, featured exclusive Phantom Matte Gray paint, cognac leather interior, carbon fiber mirror caps, and unique badging. This and other limited editions have become instantly collectible, though even standard 3.0 Premium models are expected to appreciate as the Supra's place in automotive history solidifies.

The A90 Supra's legacy is still being written, but it has already proven itself as a worthy successor to the JZA80 that preceded it. Its combination of a turbocharged inline-six, rear-wheel drive, short wheelbase, and pure sports car focus creates a driving experience that few modern cars can match at its price point.